Final answer:
An egg can survive for approximately 24 hours in the fallopian tube after ovulation, offering a short window for potential fertilization by a sperm.
Step-by-step explanation:
After ovulation, an egg (oocyte) is released from the ovary and enters the fallopian tube. This is a crucial time when fertilization can occur if sperm are present. The egg's viability is relatively short; it can survive independently for only approximately 24 hours post-ovulation. This brief period is the window in which the egg can be fertilized before it continues its journey towards the uterus. If not fertilized within this timeframe, the egg will disintegrate and be absorbed or expelled by the body as part of the menstrual cycle.